Government likely to take neutral stance on ban of energy drink sales to children

The Czech government is expected to adopt a neutral position on a proposal by MPs to ban the sale and serving of energy drinks to children under 15, with a recommendation for further discussion, according to a draft document prepared for Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. The proposal seeks to regulate energy drinks similarly to alcohol and cigarettes, including advertising restrictions and age verification for sales via vending machines and online. Although the government supports regulation in principle, it questions classifying energy drinks as addictive substances and suggests the need for public debate. The proposal also faces opposition from the Association of Non-Alcoholic Beverage Producers, who argue that education, rather than restrictions, is a better approach.